24019, Roanoke, Virginia COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 24019, Roanoke, Virginia is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.24 percent of residents in 24019 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Salem Va Medical Center with a distance of 6.15 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 24019

Considering a move to Roanoke, Virginia, and managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? Assessing healthcare access is paramount. This write-up analyzes transportation options within ZIP Code 24019, focusing on commute times and accessibility to healthcare facilities, culminating in a COPD Score reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing vital medical care.

ZIP Code 24019 encompasses a significant portion of Roanoke, offering a blend of residential areas and commercial hubs. The primary arteries for transportation are Interstate 581, connecting to Interstate 81, and U.S. Route 220. These highways facilitate travel to major healthcare providers, but traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact commute times, a critical factor for individuals with COPD.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a central consideration. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, a major regional medical center, is a key destination. From various points within 24019, a drive to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital typically ranges from 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the specific location and traffic conditions. The journey often involves navigating city streets like Brambleton Avenue and Jefferson Street, which can experience heavy traffic.

Another important healthcare provider is LewisGale Medical Center in Salem, Virginia. Driving to LewisGale from 24019 usually involves traveling on I-581 and I-81, with a total commute time ranging from 20 to 35 minutes. This longer drive necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays, especially for those with COPD who may experience breathing difficulties.

Public transportation offers an alternative, though its effectiveness is contingent on route availability and accessibility. Valley MetroMetro, Roanoke's public transit system, serves the area. Several bus routes traverse 24019, including routes 30, 31, and 32, providing access to healthcare facilities. However, the frequency of these routes, especially during evenings and weekends, may be limited.

Valley Metro strives to provide ADA-accessible buses, equipped with ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. Nevertheless, the transfer process between routes, and the potential for extended travel times, can pose challenges for COPD patients. The reliance on bus schedules and potential for delays necessitates meticulous planning.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are readily available in Roanoke. These services offer a convenient, on-demand transportation option, particularly for those who may not drive or prefer not to navigate traffic. The cost of ride-sharing, however, can accumulate, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, are also present. These services, such as Care Ride and other local providers, specialize in transporting individuals to and from medical appointments. They offer door-to-door service and often provide assistance with mobility, which can be invaluable for COPD patients. These services may require advance booking and may have associated costs.

The physical environment in 24019 also impacts transportation. The terrain is generally hilly, which can make walking or cycling challenging for individuals with COPD. Sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure are present in some areas, but their availability and condition vary.

The COPD Score is a composite metric reflecting the ease of accessing healthcare. This score considers drive times, public transit accessibility, ride-sharing availability, medical transportation options, and the physical environment.

**COPD Score Components and Weighting:**

* **Drive Times:** 40% (Shorter drive times receive higher scores)
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** 25% (Frequency, ADA features, and route coverage)
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transportation Availability:** 20% (Ease of access and cost)
* **Physical Environment:** 15% (Terrain, sidewalk availability, and air quality)

**Scoring Methodology:**

Each component is scored individually, and the weighted average determines the overall COPD Score. The score ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 representing very difficult access and 10 representing very easy access.

**Applying the Score to 24019:**

Based on the analysis, the COPD Score for 24019 is estimated to be 6.5 out of 10. This score indicates moderate healthcare access. While drive times to major hospitals are generally reasonable, the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing can be costly. Public transit offers an alternative, but its limitations in frequency and route coverage reduce its overall effectiveness. Medical transportation services provide a specialized option, but advance booking and associated costs must be considered. The hilly terrain adds to the challenges for those with mobility issues.

**Recommendations for COPD Patients Moving to 24019:**

* **Assess Proximity to Healthcare:** Prioritize housing locations closer to healthcare facilities to minimize drive times.
* **Explore Public Transit:** Familiarize yourself with Valley Metro routes and schedules, especially routes 30, 31, and 32.
* **Utilize Ride-Sharing Wisely:** Factor ride-sharing costs into your budget and consider it for urgent appointments.
* **Investigate Medical Transportation:** Research and register with medical transportation services for scheduled appointments.
* **Consider Home Healthcare:** If possible, explore home healthcare options to reduce the need for frequent travel.
* **Evaluate Air Quality:** Monitor local air quality reports, especially during high-pollen seasons or periods of poor air quality, to mitigate potential respiratory issues.

Moving to Roanoke, Virginia, and managing COPD requires careful consideration of transportation and healthcare access. ZIP Code 24019 offers a mix of options, but proactive planning and utilization of available resources are essential for ensuring optimal healthcare access. The COPD Score provides a framework for evaluating the challenges and opportunities presented by the area, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and well-being. This analysis highlights the importance of understanding the local transportation landscape when considering a move and the need to proactively plan for healthcare needs.